Top New Zealand diplomat to visit China to mark US$337 million ferries contract
Winston Peters says deal with state-owned Guangzhou Shipyard International is ‘significant’ and a boost to economic ties
New Zealand’s top diplomat is set to visit China next week as a state‑owned Chinese shipbuilder embarks on a multimillion-dollar interisland ferry upgrade for the Pacific nation.
New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters confirmed his trip on Wednesday, a month after Wellington said it had sealed a deal to buy two new ferries from Guangzhou Shipyard International to connect the country’s two main islands.
Peters said he would travel to Guangzhou to “acknowledge” the NZ$596 million (US$337.2 million) fixed-price contract, which he described as “significant” and “a contribution to economic relations with China”.
“We have been pleased with the number and quality of high-level visits between China and New Zealand over the past two years,” Peters was quoted as saying.
“Both sides have been able to share perspectives on important issues and underline the importance of mutually beneficial cooperation.”